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Irish music icon Dónal Lunny dies at 79

Oct 23, 2026 · 13m

Summary

This episode reports on the death of Irish music icon Donal Lunny at age 79, featuring interviews with arts correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke and musician Noel Eccles. They discuss Lunny's pivotal role in the Irish traditional music revival, his innovative work with bands like The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts, and his legacy as a producer and multi-instrumentalist. The segment highlights his lack of ego, his ability to blend traditional roots with modern influences, and his enduring impact on global music.

Topics discussed

Announcement of Donal Lunny's passing Evelyn O'Rourke reflects on Lunny's legacy and age Innovation: The bouzouki and Andy Irvine Purity of music and the formation of The Bothy Band Lunny as a producer and early career in the 1960s Origins in Kildare and the Prosperous album Global reach and the 'Bringing It All Back Home' series Documentary, film scores, and school friends Revolutionizing Irish music and lack of ego Lifetime Achievement Award and decade-long recognition Embracing modern technology and studio work The Bothy Band reunion concerts Transition to audio clip: Planxty performance Audio: Planxty - Raggle Taggle Gypsy Conclusion of audio clip Introduction of Noel Eccles, friend and colleague Assessing Lunny's influence on other musicians Collaboration with Moving Hearts and classical background Wexford Opera House memories and recent projects Recent conversations and illness Reflection on the August documentary Lunny's focus on music over financial success Trajectory of Irish music over four decades Influence of The Bothy Band and Planxty Moving Hearts: Departure from tradition Developing Moving Hearts and 'Bringing It All Back Home' Audio: 'Bringing It All Back Home' title track Noel Eccles on the creative process of the track Studio memories and filming the performance Lunny's unique approach to song titles Closing remarks and condolences
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